The topic “describe a person you would like to meet” is a classic IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card that frequently appears in the test. This theme allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal preferences and aspirations. Being well-prepared for this topic can significantly boost your confidence and performance in the speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions related to meeting people or your interests. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy meeting new people?
- How do you usually meet new people?
- What kind of people do you like to meet?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy meeting new people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy meeting new people. It’s always interesting to talk to someone new and learn about their experiences. I find that meeting new people helps me broaden my horizons and understand different perspectives.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I thrive on meeting new people as it’s an enriching experience that allows me to broaden my horizons and gain fresh perspectives. I find that each encounter offers a unique opportunity to learn about diverse cultures, exchange ideas, and potentially forge meaningful connections. It’s not just about expanding my social circle, but also about personal growth and enhancing my understanding of the world around me.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a person you would like to meet
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What you know about this person
- Why you would like to meet this person
- And explain how you would feel if you met this person
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The person I would like to meet is Elon Musk. He’s a famous entrepreneur and innovator, known for founding companies like Tesla and SpaceX. I know that he’s very passionate about technology and space exploration. I’ve read that he works incredibly hard and has ambitious goals for the future.
I’d like to meet him because I find his vision and determination inspiring. It would be fascinating to hear his thoughts on the future of technology and space travel. I’m also curious about how he manages to run multiple companies successfully.
If I met him, I think I would feel very excited and a bit nervous. It would be an incredible opportunity to learn from someone who has achieved so much. I’d probably have many questions for him about his experiences and his plans for the future.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The individual I’m particularly keen on meeting is Malala Yousafzai, the renowned Pakistani activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Her extraordinary journey from a young girl in the Swat Valley to a global advocate for education and women’s rights has captivated me.
What I find most compelling about Malala is her unwavering courage in the face of adversity. Despite facing life-threatening circumstances, she has persistently championed the cause of education for girls. Her resilience and determination to effect change, even after surviving an assassination attempt, are truly awe-inspiring.
The primary reason I’m eager to meet her is to gain firsthand insights into her perspective on global issues. I’m particularly interested in understanding how she maintains her optimism and drive in the face of significant challenges. Moreover, I’d love to learn about her vision for the future of education and women’s empowerment in developing nations.
If I were to have the opportunity to meet Malala, I imagine I would feel a profound sense of admiration mixed with a touch of nervousness. It would be an incredibly humbling experience to be in the presence of someone who has made such a significant impact on the world at such a young age. I would likely feel inspired to do more for my community and would cherish the chance to engage in a meaningful dialogue about how individuals can contribute to positive change in society.”
Follow-up questions:
- What qualities do you admire most in this person?
- How do you think meeting this person would impact your life?
Band 6-7 Answer for question 1:
“I admire Malala’s courage and dedication to education. Her determination to continue fighting for what she believes in, even after facing great danger, is really inspiring.”
Band 8-9 Answer for question 1:
“What I find most admirable about Malala is her extraordinary resilience and unwavering commitment to her cause. Her ability to transform personal adversity into a global movement for education is truly remarkable. I’m also deeply impressed by her eloquence and wisdom, which seem to transcend her years. Her capacity to inspire and mobilize people across cultural and generational divides is a testament to her exceptional leadership qualities.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it’s quite important for young people to have role models. Good role models can inspire young people to set goals and work hard. They can also provide examples of good behavior and success. However, it’s important that young people don’t try to copy their role models exactly, but rather learn from their positive qualities.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that having role models is crucial for young people’s personal and professional development. Role models serve as living examples of success and can ignite a spark of ambition in young minds. They demonstrate the tangible results of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, which can be incredibly motivating.
However, it’s equally important to approach the concept of role models with a critical mindset. Young people should be encouraged to analyze and understand the journey and choices of their role models, rather than blindly emulating them. This nuanced approach allows for personal growth while still drawing inspiration from others’ achievements.
Moreover, having diverse role models can broaden horizons and challenge preconceptions, helping young people to envision possibilities they might not have considered otherwise. This is particularly vital in our increasingly globalized world, where success can take many forms across various cultures and industries.”
Describe a famous person you would like to meet can be a challenging task, but with proper preparation and practice, you can excel in this topic.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to attract and hold the interest of
Example: “Her story captivated the audience.” -
Compelling (adjective) /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ – evoking interest in a powerful way
Example: “He gave a compelling argument for his proposal.” -
Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – steady and determined
Example: “She showed unwavering commitment to her goals.” -
Awe-inspiring (adjective) /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ – inspiring great admiration
Example: “The view from the mountain top was awe-inspiring.” -
Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
Example: “The experience had a profound effect on his life.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person you’d like to meet:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just list facts about the person. Explain why these facts are significant and how they relate to your interest in meeting them.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your speech. This demonstrates language proficiency and enhances your lexical resource score.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to speak at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence.
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Show critical thinking: In Part 3, don’t just give simple opinions. Analyze the questions from different angles and provide balanced, thoughtful responses.
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Work on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation and appropriate use of intonation and stress can significantly improve your score.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice. Regularly describe an occasion when you were very busy or engage in other speaking exercises to improve your overall performance.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated language, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the “describe a person you would like to meet” topic and other similar questions in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!